![]() There are guided tours, conservation programs and events, rare plant life like the ghost orchid and habitats for other native species like the Florida panther, American alligator and Florida black bear. Hike along elevated boardwalks and you’ll see a host of native species including ibis, snowy egrets, wood storks, and cranes, though the sanctuary is home to nearly 200 bird species. Located 12 miles inland from Naples, the 13,000-acre Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching destinations in Florida. ![]() Here, you’ll find open prairies, pinelands and hardwood hammocks, estuaries, and cypress swamps.īe sure and download their birding checklist before you go.Īudubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and CREW Bird Rookery Swamp The Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park is just 45 minutes from Naples.Īdjacent to Everglades National Park is Big Cypress National Preserve, one of the best locations to go birdwatching in the Everglades because of the unique ecosystems within the one Preserve. In Everglades National Park, you’ll see over 360 land and wading bird species, from Wood storks and Great Egrets, to the Roseate Spoonbill.Ī great way to discover where the best birding is, is to take a guided boat or kayak tour ( airboat rides are fun but the noise tends to drive away any birds, so keep this for another day).įrom this vantage point, you can get up close with binoculars or long camera lenses. The nice thing about southwest Florida is that wherever you go, you’re usually surrounded by beautiful water views, scenery, and local wildlife.īut if birding or nature hikes are high on your list of things to do while you’re here, these are some of the best places for bird watching in southwest Florida.Įverglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve Spring and early summer are a great time of year to spot osprey nests with the heads of chicks popping up as one of the parents arrive with their next meal. Many establish their nests in colonies in the many rookeries found throughout the area mangroves. The best time of year to spot the many unique birds of Florida is from November to May.įor some birds, nesting time in southwest Florida can take place from February to October - it’s during these months that mating and nesting occur and the birds eagerly show off their colorful breeding feathers. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This article may contain affiliate links. Raptors, wading birds, swimming and diving birds, gulls, terns, vultures, and of course an assortment of song birds, can all be seen.ĭuring your time in Southwest Florida, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of anhingas sunning themselves after a meal, majestic great blue herons feeding in the late afternoon, adorable moorhens cooing as they paddle, and the easily recognizable brightly-colored roseate spoonbills.Īs for how to see these southwest Florida birds, the viewing options are endless, though hiking, paddling, or taking a guided tour are great ways to get you closer to the birds. Types of Birds You’ll See in Southwest Floridaīest Time of Year For Birding in Southwest Floridaīest Places to See Birds in Southwest Floridaįor birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, spotting the birds of southwest Florida is a bucket list adventure and each bird spotted is equally rewarding. Some bird species are here for only a short time until the chicks leave the nest while others stay for most of the summer to take advantage of the abundant food resources. Several species migrate throughout the year, while many others make this their permanent home year round. Some hang out in the water, while others stay on land. Given that this part of Florida lies within the Everglades ecosystem, there are hundreds of birds call southwest Florida home. One of the things we love best about the Paradise coast is the abundance of nature at our doorstep.ĭozens of wildlife preserves, nature refuges and 12 state parks in southwest Florida offer plenty of quiet places to escape and observe birds and other animals in their natural habitat. If you’re looking to the ultimate guide to some of the beautiful birds of Southwest Florida, we’ve got everything you need to know.
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